At BTJ, we would love to introduce you to a new bible translation which comes from our friend Pastor Chris Monaghan.

Here, Pastor Chris introduces you to the new translation – The Name Translation (TNT):

The Name Translation (TNT) of the Bible presents the meaning of every proper name in the Scriptures. In ancient thought, names are more than identifiers, but instead point to the destiny of that which was named. The Bible often tells us the meaning of a name of a person or place to help us remember the story we are reading.

Until now, the meanings of the names needed to be researched in each verse of the Bible to grow our understanding of the word of God. The Name Translation Bible inserts the meaning of every proper name in parentheses next to each proper name in every verse of the Bible.

For example, Jacob(Heel grabber) meant ‘heel grabber or deceiver’, and his name was changed to Israel(Struggles with God). The name Israel meant ‘struggles with God or prince of God’.  After the all-night wrestling match, “.(t)hen the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob(Heel grabber), but Israel(Struggles with God), because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome”(Genesis 32:28). Interestingly, Jacob grabbed at the feet of men, to trip them up throughout his life prior to his encounter with the Angel God-man. After this encounter, his struggle was with his God. The destiny of every Israelite and descendant of Jacob incorporated an invitation to wrestle with their Creator. Every mature believer understands this to be true.

 

Name changes are also found in the New Testament and signify a transition into a new realm of authority enabling an entity to accomplish its God-given purpose. The name of Simon meant in Hebrew “One who hears and obeys.” Jesus changed his name to Peter(Stone) once he received the revelation of the Messianic title of Jesus(Yahweh will save).

“Blessed are you, Simon(One who heard and obeyed) son of Jonah(Dove), for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.  And I tell you that you are Peter(Stone), and on this rock I will build my church” (Matthew 16:17-19 TNT).

Simon experienced a name change that prophesied his solid rock commitment to the declaration that Jesus is the Anointed One. History confirms that Peter lived up to his name. Clement of Rome(35-99 C.E.) wrote, Peter died delivering testimony of the Christ, like a cornerstone on which a building is built. If Jesus took the time to change a name to redirect Peter’s life, how powerful is a name!

In the New Testament, Paul pleaded with Philemon to forgive his former slave by presenting the meaning of his name. “Onesimus(Useful), who became my son while I was in chains. Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me” (Philemon 1:10-11 TNT).  Onesimus meant “useful, beneficial or profitable” in the Greek language. Unfortunately, Onesimus lived a life that was the polar opposite. He had been useless, running away from his duties, of no benefit to Philemon and probably a thief. But then, Onesimus had found Paul and through Paul, he found Christ. It reminds us that outside of Christ, we often fulfill the exact opposite of what our name has marked us to become. Someone named “Joy” is depressed. Someone named Jason, which means “healer,” is sick. And our friend Onesimus is useless. One encounter with Christ turns it all around.

People raised in the western culture often lack the understanding that names have meanings. Names are keys that help us unlock destinies. The Name Translation Bible allows the reader to connect each name in context to the Biblical narrative as it was original written without having to learn Greek or Hebrew. The TNT is a powerful tool for personal study and for teaching the truths found in the Bible. The Name Translation Bible is based upon the Word English Bible Translation (WEB) which was originally derived from the American Standard Version. The TNT was translated by Christopher Monaghan and will be available in for purchase in time for Christmas 2021.

Below is the link to order your copy today. Available in both paperback and digital form.

Here is the link to purchase on Amazon: